Hormone Therapy for Men

Hormone therapy for men holds promise for men suffering from conditions related to low testosterone. The claims about hormone therapy might persuade many men to pursue the therapy, but there are some considerations that should be examined before it is used.

Understand the Role of Testosterone

• Testosterone is created by the male body in the testes. The hormone is responsible for maintaining bone density, muscle mass, strength, sex drive, distribution of fat, sperm production and the production of red blood cells. As the male body ages, the production of testosterone slows. After the age of 40, the production of testosterone starts to decline.

Look for Symptoms of a Deficiency in Testosterone

• To determine if hormone replacement therapy is the right course of treatment for a man, the doctor will perform a test to find the level of testosterone in the body. Many men who are experiencing the symptoms of low testosterone levels will experience an increase in body fat, mood changes, loss of muscle, decreased bone density, a decrease in sex drive and function and memory loss. It should be noted that not all men who are experiencing these symptoms have a low testosterone level and some men who do have a low level of testosterone do not experience these symptoms.

Weigh the Risks of Hormone Therapy with the Benefits

• There are some potential risks for men using hormone therapy that should be considered before the decision is made. There is an increased risk of skin reactions, baldness, sleep apnea, enlarged breasts, testicle shrinkage, acne and an excess production of blood. There has also been concern that hormone therapy for men with testosterone could cause an enlargement of the prostate, but there have not been any conclusive studies.
  The benefits of hormone therapy for men can include an increase in energy, improved muscle mass, increase sexual desire and a sharper mind. While all of these benefits are certainly desirable, it is important to weigh them against the possible risks.

Discuss Hormone Therapy with the Doctor

• A doctor will be able to determine whether any symptoms you are experiencing are the result of a low level of testosterone. The treatment with the hormone can lessen the symptoms. It is not clear whether men who have a healthy level of testosterone will benefit from hormone therapy, but there is controversy that hormone therapy that restores the testosterone level of older men to that of a younger man will have benefits. There is no conclusive study to show that this is true. For now, testosterone is not an anti-aging medication and using it on men who have healthy levels of testosterone remains controversial. Men should discuss with their physician any concern that they might have about their testosterone level. The doctor will be able to determine whether there is a low level or a level that is appropriate for the age of the patient.